Belgium

Belgium/Flanders is a priority country in the Netherlands’ International Cultural Policy 2017-2020. Cultural collaboration between the Netherlands and Belgium, and in particular Flanders, is considered a matter of course. Belgium is the immediate neighbour to the south, the Netherlands’ second export country after Germany, and the two countries share a rich cultural history and a language.

Belgium’s central location in Europe means that Belgium can function as an international springboard for artists young and old, particularly because Flemish players almost automatically look beyond their own borders. Cross-border collaboration between artists, cultural organisations and provincial and city authorities is already taking place on a large scale.

The Belgian market particularly offers opportunities for the performing arts, the creative industry, the visual arts and literature. In these fields, there are possibilities for a relatively easy expansion of the market and a generally smooth exchange of knowledge. In the coming years, collaborative efforts will focus on talent development, the exchange of knowledge and greater visibility in Belgium/Flanders for young artists, musicians, designers and theatre makers from the Netherlands.